Onboard or plant-based equipment automates slump, mix adjustments

Toronto’s CBM is the premier SensoCrete user, with 27 trucks running the technology. The Concrete Optimizer package includes a cab-mounted computer that receives the load’s slump measurements from drum mounted probe; an external control with bright red readout; and, a meter mounted at the rear of mixer.

Quebec-based SensoCrete has developed plant and onboard equipment solutions to automate water and admixture additions to ready mixed concrete loads following trucks’ departure from charging alleys. Anchoring the technology is the Concrete Optimizer, which SensoCrete developers call “drivers’ personal assistant,” as it measures mix slump, recommends adjustments to align mix properties with specifications, and controls liquid additions to the load. A drum-mounted gauge relays mix slump, volume, and uniformity readings to an onboard computer, along with drum revolution count. The screen shows drivers measured versus targeted mix properties, slump tracked within ½-in. accuracy.

Interfacing with the Concrete Optimizer are two Doser platforms. The Truck Doser has three configurations for controlling liquid additions to ready mixed loads: 1) External control, with shielded, LCD readout and drum-mounted probe, enabling drivers to add accurate quantities of liquids to the load, while logging all adjustments; 2) Internal control, using SensoCrete’s entry level GPS solution to control liquid additions from in-cab touch screen, relaying data to an online portal; and, 3) External and Internal control packages. The company also offers a Slump Rack Doser, which accurately captures water quantities added after trucks have loaded and allows drivers to dose water from cabs using their onboard computer. Dosing options include water quantities determined by a SensoCrete slump optimization algorithm. — SensoCrete, St. Lazare, Quebec, 450/510-0107; www.sensocrete.com

Contact Details

About Us

Concrete Products covers the issues that attract producers of ready mixed and manufactured concrete. With an editorial focus on equipment and material technology, market development and management topics, Concrete Products provides practical information for management professionals on how to run their day to day business.